Perhaps, this seemingly unremarkable passage holds a secret chapter in Marseille’s liberation. This is the Impasse des Tirailleurs. Its name quietly commemorates the Algerian soldiers who played a crucial role in freeing the city from Nazi occupation in 1944.
Eighty years ago, Marseille was under the yoke of Nazi Germany. The Allied forces launched Operation Dragoon. It was a landing in Provence to liberate southern France. Among those forces were the Tirailleurs Algériens. These Algerian riflemen were part of the French Army. They were determined to drive out the German occupiers.
The liberation of Marseille was a hard-fought battle. German soldiers had entrenched themselves. They were in bunkers and fortified positions throughout the city. The resistance fighters of Marseille, the FFI, rose up against the Germans. They were poorly armed. They were outnumbered. The arrival of the Tirailleurs Algériens was a turning point.
The 7th RTA was among the first to enter Marseille on August 23, 1944. They faced fierce resistance around the Saint-Charles train station. Fighting raged for days. Reinforcements arrived on August 25. The 3rd RTA joined the battle. The Tirailleurs slowly pushed the Germans back.
One of the key objectives was Notre-Dame de la Garde. This basilica sits atop a hill overlooking Marseille. The Germans had placed artillery there. Taking the basilica was essential. It would break the German hold on the city. On August 25, General de Monsabert ordered General Sudre to capture the hill. The 7th RTA and the 2nd regiment of cuirassiers took the lead.
The Tirailleurs faced a daunting task. The slopes leading to Notre-Dame de la Garde were steep. The Germans had fortified the area. They had machine gun nests and barbed wire. The Tirailleurs advanced under heavy fire. One group managed to reach the residence. Another column followed Pierre Chaix-Bryan. He was a local resistance fighter. He guided them through a secret passage unknown to the Germans. This passage started on Rue Cherchell. It is now Rue Jules-Moulet.
Despite the enemy fire, the Tirailleurs stormed the esplanade. The German garrison surrendered. Soldiers from the 7th RTA raised the French flag on the basilica’s bell tower. The battle for Notre-Dame de la Garde was won.
The Impasse des Tirailleurs serves as a reminder. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers. Many Tirailleurs died. They were fighting for a country that was not their own. Their contribution to the liberation of Marseille is undeniable.
On August 28, 1944, Marseille was officially liberated. A victory parade was held on August 29. The Tirailleurs marched proudly through the streets. They were greeted by cheering crowds. The liberation of Marseille came at a cost. Over 1800 people died or were wounded. They included resistance fighters and soldiers from the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division.
Today, the Impasse des Tirailleurs stands as a quiet tribute. It honors these brave men who helped liberate Marseille. It is a reminder of their courage and sacrifice. Their story should never be forgotten.